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BOA student lands role with international news network

A Year 13 student from Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) has secured a role with international news network, Russia Today.

George Bartlett

Currently studying broadcast media at BOA, George Bartlett, 18 from Birmingham, has already made the move overseas to Berlin, where he is now working for Russia Today’s video news agency ‘Ruptly’.

With ambitions of becoming a filmmaker, George balances his working life producing video footage with his education at BOA.

George said: “I’m so grateful to BOA for the opportunity it has given me; thanks to the academy I’m able to work in a career that I really enjoy and complete my qualifications at the same time.

“It has been quite difficult to juggle work and education but my teachers at BOA have been really accommodating; they’ve all worked in the industry so they understand the work I’m doing and have been really supportive.”

BOA aims to help students gain not only knowledge, but also practical experience. All students are encouraged to complete industry placements, partake in professional productions and develop a ‘real-world’ portfolio.

Gaynor Cheshire, principal at BOA, said: “The fact that George secured a role with such an impressive organisation before even completing his qualifications is a real testament to the quality of knowledge that is passed on to our students.

“Taking on your first job can be very intimidating but I’m extremely proud that George has found such an excellent role; I have no doubt that he has a long and successful career ahead of him.”

BOA is open to students aged 14-18 who are looking to pursue careers in creative, digital and performance industries and is sponsored by Ormiston Trust and Birmingham City University, with founding partners Maverick TV and the BRIT School.